The IGS-Optical satellite series are semi-classified satellites operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center of Japan.

They are used for military reconnaissance operations as well as civilian natural disaster monitoring.

The IGS-Optical third generation of satellites have a reported resolution capability better than 40 centimeters (1.3 ft)

The H-IIA Launch Vehicle is a high-performance rocket consisted from a First stage, Second stage, fairing, one or two pairs of Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB-As). The propulsion system runs on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Two models are produced, the standard type H2A202 with two SRB-A's and the H2A204 type with four SRB-A's attached.

The First stage of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle consists of a high-performance LE-7A engine, an engine section, a propulsion system tank charged with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, a center section connecting the tanks, and an interstage section mating the First and Second stages. A Solid Rocket Booster (SRB-A) has also been newly developed to boost the thrust from the main engine. Two or four SRB-A's installed on the H-IIA Launch Vehicle are attached to the First stage.

The Second stage consists of a highly reliable LE-5B engine, a propulsion system tank charged with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, on-board electronic devices, etc. As a key feature for launch mission support, the LE-5B engine can be ignited up to three times.

Credit: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

LA-Y1

Launch Area - Yoshinobu Launch Complex 1 (LA-Y1 for short) is part of a two-launch-pad area of the Tanegashima Space Center used for the H-II family of rockets.

The pad is located just 190 meters (624 ft) from neighboring pad LA-Y2.

The overall two-pad Yoshinobu Launch Complex is the northernmost launch site of the Tanegashima Space Center.

Rockets are assembled and processed vertically in the vehicle assembly building before technicians roll them out to the launch pad, a journey of 365 meters.

LA-Y1 hosted its first launch in February 1994 and has been active ever since.

Tanegashima Space Center

The Tanegashima Space Center is Japan's largest launch center and gets its name from the island Tanegashima it is located on.

Located in southern Japan, it is part of the overall Range, which handles Japan’s orbital launches.

The center opened for operations in October 1969 as part of the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). It is now owned by JAXA.

Tanegashima includes the Yoshinobu Launch Complex for the H-IIA and H-IIB rockets, a Vehicle Assembly Building, a Spacecraft Test and Assembly Building, and the Takesaki Range Control Center.

Image: Wikipedia